The High Court has granted unions the right to cross-examine Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) chief executive Nic Blakeley over pay equity law changes announced in the 2025 Budget. The application was made by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Public Service Association, Post-Primary Teachers' Association, Tertiary Education Union, and NZEI Te Riu Roa. Justice Paul Radich ruled this week that cross-examination is necessary to resolve a "factual dispute" about the government's motivations. Blakeley, who was deputy secretary for Labour, Science and Enterprise at MBIE when the decision was made, helped craft policy options for ministers.